Maintenance Fluids

Name: Maintenance Fluids
Creator: Daniel Diaz-Gil, MD
Keywords: maintenance, fluids, Holliday-Segar, IV, intravenous, hydration, bolus, 4-2-1, pediatric

Calculates IV maintenance fluids using the Holliday-Segar (4-2-1) rule

Clinically Verified· 6 tests

For educational and informational purposes only. Verify all results before clinical application.

Weight *

Patient weight. Holliday-Segar 4-2-1 rule is applied. Maintenance rate is capped at 100 mL/hr (adult max). Boluses capped at 500 mL (10 mL/kg) and 1000 mL (20 mL/kg).

References

Holliday MA, Segar WE. The maintenance need for water in parenteral fluid therapy. Pediatrics. 1957;19(5):823-832.[DOI]
Feld LG, et al. Clinical Practice Guideline: Maintenance Intravenous Fluids in Children. Pediatrics. 2018;142(6):e20183083.[DOI]

Reviewed by Daniel Diaz-Gil, MD · Last updated March 2026

Medical disclaimer

This tool is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional clinical judgment. Always independently verify results before making clinical decisions.

Professional Resources — Tools used by pediatricians for general pediatric care

The Harriet Lane HandbookClassic pediatric drug dosing and clinical reference~$50via Amazon Broselow Pediatric Emergency TapeColor-coded length-based tape for weight estimation and emergency dosing~$30via Amazon